How Centennial Handles Building Setbacks & Zoning: A Practical Guide
Centennial maintains 86 local ordinances across all categories, and 3 of those deal specifically with building setbacks & zoning. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Centennial falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.
Structure Height Limits
Centennial measures building height from the average grade at the front building line to the roof's highest midpoint or top parapet; maximum heights range from 30 ft. in most NC districts up to 70 ft. in some NI subdistricts.
Key details: Measurement point: Average grade at front building line. NC 9 max height: 30 ft.. NC 2A max height: 35 ft.. NI SFA/MF range: 30–70 ft.. Governing section: LDC § 12-3-204.
Constructing above the applicable maximum height for the zoning subdistrict without an approved variance is a zoning violation; the City can require the structure be reduced to the permitted height.
Setback Rules
Centennial's Land Development Code sets zone-specific yard setbacks in Table 12-3-301A; the NC 9 single-family district requires a 20 ft. front and street-side setback, 5 ft. interior side, and 20 ft. rear.
Key details: NC 9 front/street-side setback: 20 ft.. NC 9 interior side setback: 5 ft.. NC 9 rear setback: 20 ft.. Governing table: LDC Table 12-3-301A.
Building within the required setback without an approved variance or alternative-standard approval is a zoning violation; the City may require removal, relocation, or correction of the encroaching structure.
Lot Coverage Limits
Centennial caps building coverage ratio, building footprint divided by lot area, by zoning subdistrict under Table 12-3-301A, ranging from 20% in NC 2A up to 60% for Single Family Detached-Cottage lots.
Key details: NC 2A max coverage: 20%. NC 9 max coverage: 30%. NC 5 max coverage: 42%. SFD-Cottage max coverage: 60%. Governing section: LDC § 12-3-205; Table 12-3-301A.
Exceeding the maximum building coverage ratio for the lot's zoning subdistrict without approved alternative standards is a zoning violation; the City can withhold a building permit or require the plan be revised.
The Bottom Line
Centennial's building setbacks & zoning rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Centennial is broadly strict or permissive.
These rules come from Centennial's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.